Key largo 375 g build

[RcToners]

Well my wife and I have decided to upgrade our 150.00 gal. After searching for some time we were able to pick up a nice 375 g acrylic tank. Our f150 gal tank is glass and I vowed never to buy another glass tank due to scratches, although my new acrylic tank may scratch a bit more on the easy side they are very easy to remove, its a given the tank will get scratched at some point in time so its nice to know I can remove them without much work. Here are some images of the build so far, as of right now I am aquascaping and have been for about 3 days. I purchased 400 lbs of marco rock and could not be happier.


Here is a quick sketch of the stand I built, I went with a taller stand due to the fact I dont like to have to bend over to look at a tank.

 

[RcToners]

We purchased the tank used and it had a few scratches, I figured no better time then now to refinish the entire tank.

 

[RcToners]

Left is all done right is almost done

 

[dzfish17]

What are the dimensions on your new tank? Looks like a fun build. Good luck.

 

[Ketchup]

Looks interesting

 

[Reefnut2010]

Just know that acrylic scratches if you look at it wrong !!! I can't believe glass would be worse. Nice tank though, and it's coming along beautifully. I paid to get my tank polished. It was like $300.00. I don't have patience for something like that. Keep us posted.

 

[D5HP]

Stand looks great so far!

 

[silentscream]

RcToners, looks like you're off to a great start. Can I ask what type of blade you were using to cut that aluminum? Carbide tipped? Did you use any wax on the blade or cutting oil? Thanks in advance!

 

[RcToners]

What are the dimensions on your new tank? Looks like a fun build. Good luck.

The dimensions are 96" x 30" x 30"

Stand looks great so far!

Thanks, its all welded and put together now, I'll get photos up soon.

RcToners, looks like you're off to a great start. Can I ask what type of blade you were using to cut that aluminum? Carbide tipped? Did you use any wax on the blade or cutting oil? Thanks in advance!

I just used a blade for aluminum, its got more teeth. I used wax on the blade to prevent it from catching on anything.

 

[RcToners]

Here are some photos of welding day!

 

[RcToners]

We then sanded the entire stand to help the spraypaint bond to the surface and remove impurities. I spraypainted the stand black and went on the hunt for something to span the top of the stand to support the tank.

I found 3/4" plywood and had it cut to size. I sealed it in Kilz & a lacquer. I also found 3/4" foam and cut it to size and spray glued it to the plywood. I used a caulk adhesive to glue the plywood & foam to the stand. I also managed to forget to take photos of this process. Here are a few photos of the "finished product" after it was moved upstairs.

 

[RcToners]

Currently working on the aquascape, should be done today

 

[Kipps]

Oustanding workmanship - wish I was that talented - following...

 

[JBarnes]

Is that your bathroom plumbing coming out of the porch ceiling? That standard practise in Florida? Sure wouldn't work good in Colorado when its 20 below for several weeks! Jerry.

 

[Skins]

Is that your bathroom plumbing coming out of the porch ceiling? That standard practise in Florida? Sure wouldn't work good in Colorado when its 20 below for several weeks! Jerry.

looks like a patio or green roof overhang, not indoor plumbing with the drainage exposed.

 

[cloons411]

I like the height of the stand, I wish I would have went about there instead of 40". Looks good so far, good luck on the build.

 

[James404]

Very impressive build so far, that stand came out sick!!

 

[RcToners]

Oustanding workmanship - wish I was that talented - following...

Thank you, I was surprised how quick the stand came together. It could have been done in one day but we broke it into two.

Is that your bathroom plumbing coming out of the porch ceiling? That standard practise in Florida? Sure wouldn't work good in Colorado when its 20 below for several weeks! Jerry.

The photo you're referring to is a friends house, I'm not sure if that is his bathroom plumbing. I do live a couple blocks over and our condos have the bathroom plumbing coming outside underneath our walkway. Ive seen this at several other houses too so maybe it is common here.

I like the height of the stand, I wish I would have went about there instead of 40". Looks good so far, good luck on the build.

The height is 40" Thanks!

 

[cloons411]

The height is 40" Thanks!

I see that now I was looking on the other side of the print. Sorry about that.

 

[KeysKid]

Very nice man. I live in Marathon, would love to see this someday once you get it running. Also about the bathroom outdoor plumbing. Ive also seen plumbing like that at friends houses before down here in the Keys. Its quite common.

Keep up the good work, and keep us updated!!